Inspired / Dark Walls.

All those dark walled rooms got my wheels turning. Here's some gray with a girlie spin.

Start with Backwater by Miller Paints on the walls. Place a gray sofa and a few chairs in your space. These tables painted out in faux tortoise would be so cute and so cheap. Load the industrial chic shelf with some books (all the same color is so fun!), barnacles, and other pretties. Artwork from this fabulous collection. And boy does that Furbish star steal the show!

P.S. Check out the new and improved (didn't know that was possible!!) Furbish Studio. Wow! Jamie, you blow me away. Job well done.

I Wish I Lived Here.

Remember when I wrote about gray being a great wall color because it allows colorful elements in the room to pop?

Here is a perfect example.

(I love love love the versatility of gray walls and gray couch. Lesson to be learned though: the room would be plain and boring without all the colorful accessories. If you go the gray route, make sure to take some risks with the accessories. This is an affordable way to try something outside your comfort zone. Promise it will pay off!)


(The skirted tables, X benches, and books arranged by color are perfection.)

(This room could be recreated on the cheap. It's styled to perfection, but all you really need for this look are two matching colorful lamps, two large solid colored pillows, two smaller patterned pillows, white sheer drapes, and a statement vase with a pop-of-color flowers.

Here's a collage of items you can add to your neutral space to bring in some color and style. Be sure to add fresh flowers, stacks of colorful books, and white curtains!

Eclectic Living Room by Heidi Rendina on Polyvore.com

Enjoy and happy weekend lovely readers!

(Images via Apartment Therapy)

Gray in the House.

I love using gray for clients because I think it gives them the versatility to switch things up. Gray mixes easily with both other neutrals and color, and therefore one can change up pillows/throws/rugs from time to time with gray as the backdrop.

Not all clients care about changing things up on their own, but some do. And I do, too. I'm eternally changing things around at my place, and therefore used gray as a base in many rooms to facilitate this constant rotation of items in and out of rooms.

Here are a few examples of gray in my space.

(Crisp and fresh for the bedroom)


(Gray goes girlie in my bathroom. It sets the stage for pops of color, currently a shade very similar to this trendy color. I love how gray keeps it from seeming too fussy and girlie though.)



(A steely, blueish gray feels masculine and handsome in my dining room/ office.)

Do you have any gray in your place? Which room is your favorite?

Gray is the New Black.

Gray is the perfect neutral that will allow all other elements in a space pop. It's fresh and modern, yet cozy as well. Gray is the softer version of its close relative black, and therefore can lend a sophisticated air to a space without being overpowering. Since it's softer than black, it appeals to both a feminine and masculine sensibility.


(Decorpad)




(Amy Meier Design)


(Domino)


(Decorpad)


(via Traditional Home. Amy Morris Design)


(via Traditional Home. Amy Morris Design)

Take my word for it folks. It's here to stay!